[seanbrock]

In the AFC my pick is Buffalo. They showed last year when they were healthy that they're a dangerous team and they went out and had a great offseason and really seem committed to getting better and making the playoffs. I think they do it this year. Jackson and Spiller is going to be a lethal combo at RB

My NFC Darkhorse is Seattle. Granted a lot of this hinges on how Matt Flynn plays. I don't think we're looking at an elite QB, but I don believe that he'll be effective. He's got a strong running game and an underrated group of targets. Defensively Seattle looks like they can be one of the top units in the league.

[oochymp]

I'm going to be the first to say the Chiefs, I know most people on here are expecting them to do well, but it seems like most people (media) have low expectations for them based on last season, forgetting that half their best players were on IR, add in that they're in probably the worst division in football (the NFC West is a close second IMO but the 49ers give them enough of a boost) and this is definitely a team that can do some damage

If I have to pick an NFC team, I'm again going with a team that may not be a huge surprise: the Redskins, if RGIII can put together half the season Cam Newton had last year (and I think he's fully capable of at least that) he'll get enough from his supporting cast that I think they could do a lot in a very hot and cold NFC East

[RazorStar]

Denver Dark Horses... oh wait we have Peyton, can't be dark horses anymore.

I'll say the Titans in the AFC, I just like them to surprise. In the NFC... dunno, Seahawks or Cardinals.

[Rain Man]

In the AFC, I'm going to agree with the notion that the Chiefs are this years dark horse. May they have questions/concerns at quarterback? Yeah, they might - or Cassel could pull his head out of his ass and just do what Alex Smith was able to do and manage the game. I feel like Bowe is going to put in a huge year working toward getting a huge contract next year. Charles will be back in the mix, and their defense will be extremely stout as well. It's not a team to sleep on.

For the NFC, I think it's safe to go with the Bears. I know that maybe they aren't a dark horse, but after the let down that was last season I think the Bears are going to make huge noise in the NFC. Cutler was going on a tear last season before he was injured, Forte will be ready to do some work, Brandon Marshall will re-unite with one of his best friends and playmates on the field this season. That will be huge. Let's not forget to mention the Bears D. Sure they are getting older in the middle of the field, but I don't think they will get any easier to go up against. I may even place the Bears in the Superbowl.

[56AceInDaPlace]

AFC - Bills

NFC - Rams

[BradyFan81]

I think Tampa will be pretty good with the additions they've made and hopefully a bounceback year from Freeman. I like Vincent Jackson and think he'll do really well there as well as Carl Nicks to improve that OLine a ton. Also have some young guys that should take a big leap forward this year. That's a pretty tough division though so who knows. But I could see a bounceback 9-7 type season from them for sure. In the AFC my pick is KC.

This post has been edited by BradyFan81: 27 July 2012 - 11:48 PM

[Julio4Ever]

The only choices that I can see in the AFC are the Bills and the Chiefs. Both teams have more than solid defensive units that can keep them in games alone. The only thing both teams need is some efficient QB play and a strong running game to make these teams even more dangerous.

In the NFC, I have two teams that I'll be watching closely. First...are the Arizona Cardinals. Everyone is talking about the Seahawks and Matt Flynn and there's obviously the 49ers (Who I believe are a SB caliber team). The Cards look to be having Kevin Kolb as their starter going into this year...and behind him you are going to have a complete backfield in Beanie and Ryan Williams. Ryan Williams didn't play at all last year, but he's a bruising quick RB. Not to forget..you have arguably the best WR in the game with Fitz and a physical specimen now in Michael Floyd. Not to forget, they have a above average defense that was overlooked last year because of their extremely poor offensive play last year.

Secondly, you have to look at the Bucs. I hate them...but you can't just look at their off-season acquisitions and say it's not a big deal. Whenever you get the best Guard in the NFL and a severely underrated huge target WideOut of Vincent Jackson, you're going to get better. Not to mention, David Martin is a solid addition to the backfield. The only severe issues I see for Tampa Bay is the back seven outside of Mark Barron who will be a HUGE benefit. Talib has so many off-field issues..but there's not a lot of depth back there. Josh Freeman's play will either carry this team..or sink them though. IMO

[FartWaffles]

Maybe they're not a "dark horse" since they were in the playoffs last season, but it wouldn't shock me if the Bengals take the AFC North crown this season.

[56AceInDaPlace]

I actually take that back on the NFC, i will take the Bears.

[seanbrock]

56AceInDaPlace, on 29 July 2012 - 10:14 PM, said:

I actually take that back on the NFC, i will take the Bears.

The Rams were a much more interesting choice. You should have elaborated a little.

[BigBen07]

AFC: I'll go with Buffalo and KC. As for the NFC I'm not sure yet.

[NaTaS]

AFC: KC
NFC: Seattle

This post has been edited by NaTaS: 30 July 2012 - 09:58 AM

[DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F]

At this point, KC is looked at in such a positive light... Should they even be looked at like a dark horse anymore?

[RogerGoodellSucks]

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[Sarge]

Nobody considers the Jets that good anymore so I'll go with them in the AFC.

NFC: Redskins

[seanbrock]

GoodellFTL, on 30 July 2012 - 06:38 PM, said:

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Haha, smart guy.

[oochymp]

DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F, on 30 July 2012 - 06:32 PM, said:

At this point, KC is looked at in such a positive light... Should they even be looked at like a dark horse anymore?

it still seems like most media outlets are overlooking them, everyone seems to be penciling in Denver to take the division again and most project the Chiefs at or near the bottom, so while I think most people on here are pretty high on them I think they can still be considered a dark horse candidate

[NaTaS]

DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F, on 30 July 2012 - 06:32 PM, said:

At this point, KC is looked at in such a positive light... Should they even be looked at like a dark horse anymore?

ALl the power rankings I've seen have them pretty low.

[DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F]

I guess it depends on where you get your sports from... NFL Net has been raving about them, and so has everyone on TGP...

[Favre4Ever]

Not sure who all has been raving about the Chiefs, lol....

Gotta go with the Bears though in the NFC... Not really sure they fit into the dark horse mold, but they are going to be a lot better than anyone expects.